2007 Ford KA 1.3L Petrol · SD07 TPF

The defining concern with this 2007 Ford Ka is the progressive and serious corrosion identified across two MOT failures in 2018 and 2021, both flagging structural and load-bearing components rather than cosmetic issues. In September 2018, the vehicle failed on excessive corrosion at the offside rear suspension spring mounting and at both front subframe mounting prescribed areas, with the nearside rear also noted as corroded though not yet failing. By the September 2021 test, the corrosion had advanced further, producing major defects on the nearside front brake pipe and on four separate suspension component mounting areas, including both inner sills at the front and the nearside rear sill. The intervening tests in 2019 and 2020 recorded no advisories on structural corrosion, which suggests either rapid progression between 2020 and 2021 or that earlier corrosion was not yet visible to the tester. The most recent test on 10 September 2021 was a fail with five major defects, all relating to structural corrosion and brake pipe integrity, and no subsequent test is recorded, meaning the current roadworthiness status is unknown and any remediation carried out since 2021 is unverified by DVSA. At 70,301 recorded miles over approximately 19 years, the vehicle has averaged around 3,700 miles annually, which is low for a car of this vintage. The MOT record shows tests clustered in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 (twice), 2019, 2020, and 2021, indicating fairly consistent annual use through that period, though the absence of any test after September 2021 means the car has potentially been off the road or untested for up to five years. Low annual mileage reduces wear on major drivetrain and consumable items such as the clutch, engine internals, and brake friction material, but it does not arrest corrosion, particularly on a vehicle of this age, and long periods of standing can actually accelerate oxidation of exposed steel components, brake lines, and subframe mountings, which is consistent with the pattern observed. A prospective buyer should focus heavily on the structural areas previously flagged. The inner sills at the front, the nearside rear inner sill, the front subframe mounting points, and the offside rear suspension spring mounting all need to be physically inspected on a ramp for perforation, scale, and any previous repair welding that may be hiding further corrosion. The nearside front brake pipe that was recorded as excessively corroded in 2021 must be traced along its full length, as brake line corrosion tends to develop progressively and replacement sections can be vulnerable at joints. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn bushes, deteriorated mounting areas, or play in the front lower suspension arms flagged in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2020. Pay particular attention to steering precision, as any vagueness, pulling to one side under braking, or a soft or spongy brake pedal could indicate remaining brake pipe degradation or seized calipers following extended standing. Additionally, the offside front suspension arm pin or bush was noted as worn across three consecutive tests from 2017 to 2020, suggesting a component that was degrading rather than being rectified, and this should be checked for play by hand when the wheel is lifted. The exhaust mounting defects noted in 2016, 2017, and 2018 indicate a system that has been under stress, and a physical check of the exhaust for security, blowing joints, and catalytic converter condition is warranted given the vehicle's age. The nearside front tyre was flagged as close to the legal limit or worn on edge in both 2018 and 2019, which can suggest a tracking or suspension geometry issue, so verify that uneven tyre wear is not present on any fitted tyres. Given the severity of the structural corrosion recorded in 2021 and the absence of any post-repair MOT confirmation, a pre-purchase inspection by a competent technician with the vehicle on a lift is strongly advised before committing to purchase.